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RMU Alumnus Named a Heinz Fellow

Each year graduate students around the country compete and apply for different opportunities that will make a difference in life. Chance Wideman ‘12 was recently named a Heinz Fellow, an honor given to 10 graduate students who show the potential of being a future leader in the public, government, and private sectors. Wideman will be assigned to a Pittsburgh high school and serve as a counselor and mentor to a group of individuals.

The two-year fellowship came from the H.J. Heinz Company Foundation to the University of Pittsburgh’s University Center for International Studies. It was established in 1982 and it is granted to those who are developed and have the potential to lead others to become future leaders. When applicants are accepted for the fellowship they will receive two years of financial support living, program and professional fund expenses.

Wideman was recommended by university officials and has plans on making an instant impact in the school system by helping kids in the youth community.

“Putting black role models, mentors, and counselors in front black male youths will make a huge impact,” says Wideman. “It’s one thing for an adult to tell kids they can make it, but its so much more to be living proof that’s there to help them make it.”

“To me the Heinz Fellowship is a building block to my ultimate goal of being a teacher and then an administrator. This position attacks and addresses a critical need in urban education,” he says.

As an undergraduate Wideman was a brother of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity Incorporated, a multi-cultural mentor and a member of the Black Student Union. He is now an advisor for the NPHC, the university’s collaborative organization of the nine historically African American, international Greek lettered fraternities and sororities. On top of his commitments he also works as the head guard and manager of the pool at Citiparks.